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Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Many adults aren't aware of ADHD symptoms. Being diagnosed as an adult may provide treatment options.

To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must affect your daily activities, whether at home, work and socially. Talk therapy can help improve the communication skills and problem solving abilities. Family and marital counseling can also be beneficial.

Signs and symptoms

If you struggle with symptoms of ADHD it could appear like you're failing to live up to your potential. As an adult, you could be overwhelmed by the demands of your job and feel that you can't take on the numerous tasks ahead of you. You may be full-time at work, caring for aging parents or children, as well as taking care of household chores.

Your inability to keep up can cause frustration and embarrassment. You might also feel depressed or lose confidence, or even feel embarrassed. If you suffer from ADHD, it's not your fault. However, it's important to understand that there are solutions to your struggles. The first step is a diagnosis.

A thorough psychiatric evaluation can be used by a health care professional to diagnose ADHD in adults. This includes talking to you about your symptoms, requiring you to complete standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists, and gathering details about your medical and psychopathological history. The doctor may inquire about the background of ADHD in your family.

To qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD, you must have experienced at least five persistent symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity. These symptoms must have been present prior to the age of 12 and continue affecting your life. You should also be experiencing difficulty with these behavior issues at least in two different environments such as school, work and social relationships.

If your inattention is a major issue, you could miss appointments, make careless mistakes at work or at home, and fail to fulfill your obligations. You may have difficulty managing your health and finances and you might also experience problems with tasks that are simple such as making sure you visit the doctor or take your medication.

For those with ADHD the tendency to act before thinking can make stressful situations worse. You may interrupt other people's conversations or utter answers to questions before you're finished, or have difficulty waiting your turn in a line. Your impulsivity could cause risky actions, such as driving too fast or spending money recklessly.

Studies suggest that genetics and environmental factors play a part in the development of ADHD. Symptoms tend to be inherited from families, and some researchers believe that problems with the central nervous system at key developmental stages increase the chance of developing this condition.

Diagnosis

A health professional with an expertise in ADHD can help adults who are experiencing symptoms of the disorder. A typical evaluation includes an interview, a review of medical records, school or workplace records and family medical histories and a mental health screening. A trained professional may also perform a physical exam or lab tests to determine if there are other conditions that may have similar symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD is only given to an adult or adolescent if symptoms have been present for a period of six months or more and cause significant impairments in daily life.

People with undiagnosed or under-treated ADHD can struggle for the rest of their lives with persistent issues that could have been avoided or treated. This can lead depression, family problems financial stress, work-related stress, addiction to drugs and even serious accidents such as motor vehicle crashes.

Undiagnosed ADHD can result in misinterpretation by family members, friends and colleagues. They could be seen by others as lazy, irresponsible or as a poor employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the chance of depression and anxiety.

Women are better at hiding ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it more difficult for them to receive an accurate diagnosis. They may use distractions or daydreaming to mask their impulsivity and inattention. Or they might depend on tools and techniques to help them overcome their lack of time management and disorganization. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have trouble diagnosing their symptoms, as they are more likely than men to experience inattentive or hyperactive symptoms.

It's important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence or capacity. It's simply a different approach to thinking and acting that may cause problems in certain situations or settings.

In adults, it can be difficult to diagnose ADHD because the symptoms could have changed over time as they became older. Adults who suffer from ADHD still meet the criteria set by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association.

Treatment

People with undiagnosed ADHD may have difficulty getting organized, keep track of school or work tasks and maintain healthy relationships. These symptoms can affect everyday functioning and lead to mental issues such as depression, anxiety or changes in mood. People suffering from hyperactivity or impulsive variants of the condition may appear restless and try to do several things at once, and fail to complete tasks or meet deadlines. They may struggle to pay attention to other people that can cause confusion and relationships issues.

ADHD is usually not acknowledged as a child, and a lot of adults with symptoms aren't aware that they have it. They may have been labeled as a dreamer, goof-off or a slacker, instead of struggling to stay on top in school and life. Many people with ADHD have worsening symptoms as their obligations increase. They're unable to handle all the balls they have to keep in the air--pursuing the dream of a career, taking care of family members, juggling housework and errands, and working on social and romantic relationships.

A mental health specialist or health care professional will determine if someone has ADHD. The evaluation usually includes discussions with family, friends and others who know the person well as well as a physical exam and a review of the person's medical and mental health history. The person may be asked to complete standard ADHD ratings scales or a list of symptoms. Psychological tests can be conducted to assess executive function, working memory, and visual and spatial skills.

Adults with ADHD are usually treated with stimulant drugs. These medications increase and balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD to focus better, organize their lives, recall important information and tasks and manage impulsive behavior. Non-stimulant drugs, like antidepressants and atomoxetine can be used to treat ADHD. They are slower than stimulants, yet still improve symptoms. Patients with certain health issues, such as diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their doctor before taking stimulants.

Some adults with ADHD might benefit from individual therapy, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These programs can help adults learn how to manage their symptoms, and how to develop healthy school, family and work relationships. Clinical trials will also be conducted on adults who suffer from ADHD. These studies allow scientists to learn more about new methods to identify, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD.

Follow-up


A thorough assessment of ADHD in adults using several assessment inventories will improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease mistakes in diagnosis. A psychiatrist or psychologist with experience in treating ADHD in adult patients typically conducts an extended interview. The evaluator will also ask you about your or the child's previous health issues as well as family dynamics and lifestyle choices. They may also review your medical records and conduct an examination of your body.

Many people who suffer from ADHD are also suffering from other psychiatric issues or medical conditions, like depression and anxiety that need to be treated. In fact, it's estimated that people with ADHD are six times more likely have mood disorders than others. People who suffer from ADHD are also at a greater risk of substance abuse.

Adults with ADHD have a tough to find and keep jobs. They also have difficulty managing finances and juggling household chores. Adults with ADHD have an increased risk of developing other health issues, such as obesity, heart disease, and smoking. In addition they are more likely to have poor eating habits and have difficulty forming and maintaining romantic relationships.

In one study, adults were diagnosed with ADHD after being treated in minor mental health facilities as children. However, the size of the sample was small. A larger sample could have provided more details about the clinical course and relationships of ADHD in adults with other mental disorders.

Research has shown that ADHD is a persistent and persistent disorder that affects adults. It can have a negative effect on living quality and may lead to other health issues like mood disorders learning disabilities, addiction to alcohol and other drugs. adhd uk diagnosis increases the risk of incarceration, divorce and a lower socioeconomic status for people with ADHD.

Adults with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms or the first ADHD diagnosis should be seen within 30 to 60 days, and then every month until the symptoms are under control. Adults who suffer from ADHD may need to continue to receive psychotherapy and/or medication for the rest of their lives.

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